2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from the brand. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a hurried project, lacked the refined proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. The aggressive front nose promised much but was let down by a less distinctive rear. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a masterful blend of quality materials and innovative design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with features like LED-outlined grab handles and expansive digital displays enhancing the cabin's opulence. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury, albeit requiring significant options to truly feel premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet functional design ethos, reflecting its traditional customer base. Over the years, Buick transitioned from sedans to a robust SUV lineup, with the Enclave leading the charge. The 2022 refresh brought subtle yet effective exterior updates, including a new grille and lighting elements. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with the Avenir trim providing upscale materials and features like climate-controlled seats. The Enclave's interior was practical and well-appointed, though it didn't quite reach the luxury heights of some competitors. Overall, the Enclave's design was understated but effective, appealing to those prioritizing comfort and functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a 362 hp turbocharged inline-6. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, with exceptional ride quality and steering precision. It could tow up to 3,500 kg, making it a versatile choice for various driving needs.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, kept things simple with a single 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 hp. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave delivered smooth and responsive performance. Its AWD system and premium ride suspension ensured a comfortable and quiet ride, enhanced by Buick's QuietTuning technology. While not as powerful as the GLE, the Enclave's powertrain was adequate for its size, offering decent acceleration and handling. With a towing capacity of 2,268 kg, the Enclave was capable but not as versatile as the GLE in terms of performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The SUV provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all seats folded. The Coupe variant, however, was less practical, with reduced cargo space and a more confined rear passenger area. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system improved usability, though it required some setup time to master.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, comfortably seating six adults across its three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row, which offered ample room even for taller passengers. The Enclave's cargo capacity was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The restyled centre console and push-button transmission added to the Enclave's practicality, though the potential for spills on the electronic shifter was a concern.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture control and a customizable head-up display. The MBUX system offered a range of features, including a virtual pit crew app and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's infotainment system was highly configurable, with ambient lighting and navigation enhancements adding to the experience. However, the sheer volume of features could be overwhelming for some users.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a superior Bose audio system. The Enclave's technology suite included a range of safety features, with adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims. While the graphics were somewhat dated, the system was intuitive and effective.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating. The GLE offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Advanced systems like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side further enhanced occupant protection.

The 2022 Buick Enclave also earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The Enclave's standard Buick Driver Confidence Plus package included a range of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added enhanced safety systems, ensuring a secure driving experience.